Dean Eldon Pope

Dean Eldon Pope, 84, of Richmond, entered eternity at 5:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at the North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City.

Dean was born Sept. 22, 1929 to George Lloyd and Temple (Boggess) Pope near Regal, in Ray County, Feb. 4, 1950 he married the love of his life, Lois Jean (Neff) making their home on the four-generation Pope family farm for 52 years, until moving to Richmond in 2002.

He was preceded in death by Lois Jean and one great-grandson, Max McConnell, who died in infancy.

Dean was a graduate of Stet High School, and made his living farming and working for Ray-Carroll Coop. He spent his life giving of himself to his church and community, serving in many capacities in New Hope Church, on the Boards of New Hope Cemetery, New Hope Church, and the Ray County Senior Center.

He enjoyed gospel and country music, singing for weddings, funerals and in his church, riding horses, and playing cards with friends. His love for people and loyalty to family, friends and neighbors were reflected in his favorite pastime being visiting people. As an only-child, Dean kept close ties with his aunts, uncles and cousins, and embraces Lois Jean’s family as his own. Surviving him are brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom and Ruth Neff, Ruth Ann and Terrrence Reiter, R.M. Neff, Geraldine Neff and Jean Bengston. Through the years, Dean and Lois Jean hosted numerous family gatherings. Everyone was welcomed into their home, from new teachers and families in the Stet community to those visiting from out-of-state. In most recent years, Dean treasured renewing past friendships and making new friends with residents and staff of Shirkey Nursing Home and the Ray County Senior Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the New Hope Cemetery.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. at the New Hope Methodist Church north of Hardin. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church with interment in New Hope Cemetery. Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com